Frequently Asked Questions About Ski Maps

Ski Trail Grooming

Most Ski Trails are groomed by tracked bulldozers, known as 'Piste Bashers' which pack down fresh snow and smooth out bumps and moguls in old snow.

What is High Atlitude?

High Altitude is defined as being between 8,000 and 12,000 feet, or 2,438 to 3,658 meters.

There are no specific factors, such as age, sex, or physical condition that correlate with a susceptibility to altitude sickness. Some people get it some don't. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet with minimal effect. If you haven't been to High Altitude before its important to be cautious.

Ski Trail Grading

In the USA and Canada ski trail grading goes from green to blue to black, with addition of shaped symbols (circles, squares and diamonds). With the hardest being double black diamonds and very occasionally triple black diamonds.

However in all resorts the grading systems are relative. For instance an icy red in poor condition can be much harder and dangerous than a freshly groom black piste in good condition. Additionally difficulty, can and does vary from resort to resort and especially from country to country. While the steepness of the piste, is to a large extent, dependant on the steepness of the mountains themselves.

The Best Ski Resorts

The Best Ski Resorts. The guide to The Best Skiing in the World. Independent reviews, where to ski, piste maps, accommodations guides, how to get there – all you need to know to plan your next skiing adventure anywhere in the world.